Dispelling nutrition myths, ranting, and occasionally, raving

How to Peel an Avocado

Since I started writing about avocados yesterday I figured I may as well continue with that topic today. So, today’s lesson is How to Peel an Avocado. It’s really quite simple. Just take a large knife and cut a vertical line all the way around the avocado, making sure you cut through to the pit. Twist the two halves apart. To remove the pit, take the same knife and swiftly chop it into the centre of the pit, twist and pull the pit out of the flesh. There are a number of ways to remove the peel at this point. I prefer to insert my thumbs between the peel and the flesh and kind of pop the fruit out of the peel.

Avocados have been maligned for being high in fat. It is true that avocados contain a considerable amount of fat: nearly 17 grams in half a fruit. However, we need fats in our diets and as sources of fats go, avocados are pretty high on the quality list. They’re also a great source of fibre, nearly 7 grams in half a fruit. Avocados are high in potassium, folate, and calcium.

Use mashed avocado as a sandwich spread. Add avocado to your salads or pasta sauces. Or try making an avocado smoothie using avocado, milk, yoghurt, lime juice, honey, and chopped basil or cilantro.